According to an investigation published by the news agency ‘Associated Press’(1), the reduction in the number of migrants arriving in Italy would also be due to an agreement, supported by the Italian Government, which provides for payments by the Libyan authorities to militias involved in the trafficking of human beings. In order to prevent the departure of boats from the coast around the city of Sabratha, such militias would receive equipment, boats and wages. The investigation refers to meetings which allegedly took place between the leader of the militias and the Italian Intelligence services to reach these agreements.

Following an action plan proposed by the Commission in support of Italy, on 28 July the EU Trust Fund for Africa adopted a programme worth EUR 46 million aiming at consolidating the capability of the Libyan authorities to manage migration and borders in a cohesive manner.

In the light of the foregoing, can the Commission say:

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whether it has already been informed or whether it intends to request information from the Italian Government as to the veracity of the meetings between the Italian authorities and Libyan militia groups mentioned in the Associated Press investigation;

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whether there are any specific control systems to ensure that EU funds are not used in Libya to finance, directly or indirectly, militias or groups involved in human trafficking?